Chiefs RB Peyton Hillis presents coach Romeo Crennel with the ball after scoring a first-quarter TD on Sunday. / John Rieger, US Presswire

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City Chiefs players clearly realize just how difficult today is for their head coach, Romeo Crennel, who witnessed linebacker Jovan Belcher committing suicide Saturday at the team's facility.

Running back Peyton Hillis bulled his way into the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown on the Chiefs' opening drive. Hillis went to both knees, raised his arms and face upward, then jogged to the sideline with the ball clutched in his arms.

Hillis headed straight for Crennel, handed the ball to his coach, and they hugged.

The touchdown was the first for the Chiefs on a game-opening drive since late in the 2010 season.